Knives and pepper spray in Tennessee (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Tennessee makes it an offence to carry a knife with a blade over four inches with the intent to go armed. The provision does not distinguish folding, locking or fixed blades. School-property rules and the pepper spray rule were not verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Since 1 July 2014 section 39-17-1307(a)(1), as amended by Public Chapter 647, makes it an offence to carry with the intent to go armed a firearm or a club. The former wording on a knife with a blade over four inches was deleted. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Section 39-17-1307(a)(1), as amended in 2014, covers only a firearm or a club carried with the intent to go armed. It no longer mentions knives, so it makes no distinction for locking or one-handed knives. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Section 39-17-1307(a)(1), as amended in 2014, covers only a firearm or a club carried with the intent to go armed. The former four-inch knife wording was deleted effective 1 July 2014. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | Public Chapter 647 (2014) deleted the 'knife with a blade length exceeding four inches' wording from section 39-17-1307(a)(1) with effect from 1 July 2014. The offence now covers only a firearm or a club carried with the intent to go armed. [1] |
Notes
- Based on the enacted text of Public Chapter 647 (2014). The consolidated Tennessee Code and any later amendment could not be read; school-property rules in 39-17-1309 and the statewide knife pre-emption were not checked.
Sources
- Tennessee Secretary of State, Tennessee Public Acts: Public Chapter 647 (2014), Senate Bill 1771: knives, amending Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-1302, 39-17-1307 (effective 1 July 2014) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
Tennessee and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014 | Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Alabama | Firearms only; no knife carry offence read | No separate rule | No sale to minors; no carry offence read | No carry ban read; use in a crime is a felony | School ban exempts police, school officers, permit holders |
| Arkansas | Offence only with purpose to use it unlawfully | Same rule; switchblades named in definition | Same rule; 3 in or longer counts as a knife | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, journey, officers on duty |
| Georgia | Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' | No separate rule | Over 12 in: lawful weapons carrier only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, vehicle, business; hunting and fishing |
| Kentucky | Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon | No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test | Concealed: only if 21+ or licensed | Not listed as a deadly weapon | Own property; 21+ may carry without licence |
| Missouri | Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Mississippi | Concealed carry of listed knives is an offence | Switchblade: no concealed carry | Concealed carry banned; visible sheath not concealed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Home, business, vehicle; sports activity |
| North Carolina | Ordinary closed pocket knife exempt | Spring-opened knives are not "ordinary pocket knives" | No concealed carry except on own premises | Self-defence allowed if no felony conviction | Own premises; officers and military |
| Virginia | Concealed list; folding knife not named | Not named; "like kind" clause | Concealed carry: Class 1 misdemeanour | Use for protection not barred | Home and own business exempt |
More rules in Tennessee
- Car speed limitsOutside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (unless posted)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes where county/city allows sale · Minimum age to buy: 16 (16-17 need photo ID or an adult)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers under 18
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.